Welcome to the C Ionian (No 5th) Modal Barre tuning, a highly specialized and articulate setup designed for modal exploration and unique harmonic textures. This tuning takes a creative approach to scale construction, offering a distinct sonic palette for guitarists looking beyond conventional tunings.

The genius of this tuning lies in its design for a specific barre position. As described, barring the tenth fret on the sixth string (which forms a C) unlocks an immediate C Ionian (Major) scale, with the deliberate exception of its fifth tone (G). This means when you barre at the 10th fret, you'll find the notes C, D, E, F, A, B. This configuration gives you a full C Major scale feel but with a compelling open space where the G would normally reside. This missing fifth can create a sense of floating, airiness, or a modern, open sound that avoids typical major chord resolutions, inviting more sophisticated melodic and harmonic choices. It's particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, jazz fusion, or experimental genres where traditional harmonic gravity is less desired.

The open strings themselves (D2-G2-C#4-F#4-B3-E4) present a bright and somewhat dissonant landscape that hints at the harmonic possibilities. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string: we have a Perfect 4th (D-G), followed by an Augmented 4th (G-C#), and then three consecutive Perfect 4ths (C#-F#, F#-B, B-E) on the higher strings. This specific stacking of fourths on the top four strings offers excellent opportunities for wide, open voicings and movable chord shapes, particularly when focusing on the upper register. For example, barring across the top four strings will yield rich, suspended-like chords (e.g., an open C#sus4 or F#sus4 type voicing). While the open strings don't immediately form a common major or minor chord, their unique arrangement is perfect for fingerstyle arpeggios that emphasize intervallic movement, or for crafting shimmering, modal pads and leads that capitalize on the open, airy quality of the tuning.

This tuning is less about traditional strumming and more about articulate playing, exploring the modal implications of the barre at the 10th fret, or using the open string intervals to create suspenseful and modern soundscapes. Experiment with arpeggiating the open strings to discover unexpected harmonic clusters, or use the parallel fourths on the upper strings to create unique melodic lines and chord voicings that stand out.

How to Tune

To achieve the C Ionian (No 5th) Modal Barre tuning, follow these specific adjustments from standard guitar tuning. All strings are tuned down or kept as is, ensuring good string tension and playability within standard string gauges.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

The open notes for the C Ionian (No 5th) Modal Barre tuning are as follows, from lowest pitch (6th string) to highest pitch (1st string):

• String 6 (Low E Equivalent): D2
• String 5 (A Equivalent): G2
• String 4 (D Equivalent): C#4
• String 3 (G Equivalent): F#4
• String 2 (B Equivalent): B3
• String 1 (High E Equivalent): E4